PENDANG, March 21 – The Ministry of Works (KKR) is exploring effective ways to reduce construction costs for development projects without compromising the quality of buildings or facilities, aiming to ensure that each project aligns with modern construction standards.

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan revealed that several strategies were discussed during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a working visit to the Ministry of Works in Putrajaya yesterday.

Among the proposed solutions are the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the use of the Prefabricated Modular System, which involves pre-constructed blocks that are assembled to form a complete building structure.

Additionally, the Industrialized Building System (IBS), which involves construction at the project site, along with other methods to shorten both pre-construction and construction periods, were also considered.

Ahmad Maslan explained that these proposals aim to lower project costs, which are currently considered high, while also ensuring quicker project completion.

“The Prime Minister has requested that we find ways to reduce project costs so that we can increase the number of projects. By doing so, we can provide more infrastructure to benefit more people. The goal is to cut costs by RM10 million, RM20 million, or even RM30 million, allowing us to build more, such as an additional school in a different location,” said Ahmad Maslan.

He was speaking to reporters after his official working visit to the Pendang Public Works Department (JKR) District Engineer's Office in Pekan Pendang, Kedah.

During the visit, he was briefed on the progress of several ongoing Federal Government development projects in the Pendang district.